Why Alternate Routes Are Important
During a large-scale emergency, the main roads you’re accustomed to may be blocked, gridlocked, or even inaccessible. Main highways and popular routes can quickly become jammed with traffic as people attempt to leave the area all at once. Knowing several alternative routes in advance allows you to avoid the most crowded areas, helping you get to safety faster. Alternate routes might take you through backroads, secondary highways, or even through neighboring areas where traffic might be lighter.
Practicing Different Routes
Familiarize yourself with at least three different ways to get to key locations, such as:
- Your workplace or school
- Nearby hospitals or emergency shelters
- Family members’ homes or safe meeting points
These alternate routes should steer clear of high-traffic areas when possible and ideally pass through zones less likely to be congested. Practice driving these routes at various times of the day and in different weather conditions to build your confidence. Even though you might normally rely on your GPS, practicing these routes will help you memorize them and give you a sense of distance, landmarks, and timing.
Physical Maps: A Must-Have
In any emergency preparedness plan, keeping physical maps in your car is essential. In a disaster, cell towers may go down, and power outages can make charging your phone difficult. Without GPS, your phone’s map app may be useless, leaving you reliant on a map and your memory.
To prepare, get detailed local and regional maps from outdoor or travel stores, gas stations, or online sources. Many outdoor or sporting goods stores also carry detailed topographic maps, which can be especially useful if you live near rural areas or wilderness where paved roads may be scarce. Keep these maps in a dedicated spot in your vehicle, ideally somewhere accessible so you can reach for them quickly in an emergency. Highlight your primary and alternate routes on the maps to give yourself quick visual reference points.
Identifying Potential Obstacles
When planning alternate routes, think about possible obstacles that could arise in an emergency. For instance:
- Flood-prone areas: If you live in a region susceptible to flooding, avoid routes near rivers or low-lying areas.
- Fire-risk zones: If wildfires are common, note areas with dense forests and brush, and identify routes that pass through more open areas.
- Earthquake-prone regions: In earthquake areas, avoid routes that pass under overpasses or bridges that could collapse.
Knowing the risks in your area allows you to adapt your routes to avoid hazards, increasing your safety and efficiency if you ever need to evacuate.
Preparing Your Family
Once you have identified and practiced your routes, share them with family members. Make sure everyone understands where to go and how to get there in case you’re separated. Have designated meeting spots, both near your home and further away, where everyone can regroup. Practicing as a family will also help younger family members or those who may be less familiar with the routes gain confidence in knowing where to go.
Other Tips for Safe Navigation in an Emergency
- Listen to local emergency broadcasts: Keep a portable, battery-powered radio on hand. During many disasters, local authorities will broadcast important updates, including road closures, shelter locations, and evacuation orders.
- Avoiding Panic: If you encounter heavy traffic or closed roads, stay calm and use your pre-planned alternate routes.
- Look for landmarks: In stressful situations, landmarks are helpful for orientation. Memorize key landmarks along your routes so you can recognize your location even without a map.
Benefits of Being Prepared
Having multiple route options, knowing the lay of the land, and being prepared with physical maps are essential steps to take before an emergency strikes. When you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there, you’ll feel more in control, reducing stress and confusion. Additionally, with thorough preparation, you’re far less likely to waste valuable time retracing steps or getting lost when it matters most.
In emergencies, preparedness is key, and having alternate routes mapped out and physical maps ready means you’re taking a proactive approach to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Remember, disasters can happen with little warning, and preparing now will help you act quickly and confidently should the need arise.
